Airservices consolidates tech under CISO leadership

Airservices Australia has consolidated technology functions into a newly formed division led by chief information security officer Anthony Kitzelmann.

The new portfolio brings together the air navigation agency’s enterprise technology strategy, assurance and cyber security functions.

As part of the reorganisation, Kitzelmann will now hold the expanded title of head of Technology Strategy, Assurance and Cyber.

Writing on LinkedIn, Kitzelmann said the role will also cover “enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, technology risk management, information management, testing services, as well as analytics and reporting”.

“Through a strong focus on risk management, information governance, and data-driven insights, I look forward to supporting Airservices’ continued leadership in the aviation sector and driving technology initiatives that underpin the safety and efficiency of Australia's skies,” he added.

An Airservices Australia spokesperson said the “approach to consolidating functions has been applied to all [its] technology disciplines supporting operational technologies and information technologies".

“Combining our technology strategy, cyber security, architecture and assurance functions in a comprehensive technology assurance portfolio under a single executive provides these key business areas with enhanced oversight and allows Airservices to leverage existing expertise and leadership,” the spokesperson said.

The division will continue to report into the overall leadership of Airservices Australia’s chief technology enablement officer (CTEO) Mark Hind [pdf].

The restructure is in step with initiatives outlined in Airservices Australia’s 2024–25 corporate plan, which includes a refresh of its enterprise technology stack—spanning ERP systems, rostering platforms, and risk management tools.

The agency has also committed to upgrading its cyber capabilities using "contemporary systems".